Hailing the Lokpal bill as the single most powerful anti-corruption law in independnent India, Congress on Thursday cautioned parties obstructing the legislation that they will face the anger of the people.
As the bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha amid objections by various parties, Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters that if any party opposes the legislation and resorts to obstructive tactics, they shall have to answer the people and face their anger.
Seeking to give credit to the UPA for the bill, Singhvi wondered which other dispensation had brought such a law which would help launch the "biggest war on corruption".
"Which other dispensation had taken even 1/10th of this effort? Which other dispensation had taken any such concrete steps", he asked in an obvious dig at the BJP-led NDA.
"The Congress-led UPA government has not only kept its promise but has done so with sincerity and commitment and has put its best foot forward", he said.
Singhvi, who heads the Parliamentary Committee that went into the Lokpal bill, said the legislation should not be seen in isolation but was part of a "holistic seamless web" providing the supporting structures without which one cannnot win war against corruption.
The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2011 was introduced along with a Constitutional (116th amendment) bill, even as several parties questioned the "haste" and asserted that Parliament should not allow itself to "succumb" to some individuals threatening agitation, a reference to Anna Hazare.
